Rocky Mountaineer Train Review: What it’s REALLY Like Onboard

What Is the Rocky Mountaineer Train?

The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury (and I mean luxury) train ride known for nature-filled routes, glass ceilings that let you get uninterrupted stunning views of mountains, bears and more, and impeccable service. 

If you’ve heard of the Orient Express (but without all the murder), think of the Rocky Mountaineer as the North American counterpart.

This isn’t your typical Amtrak experience, it’s honestly more like sitting in first class on an international flight.

There are super spacious seats, endless drinks, gourmet meals, and panoramic views that’ll have you glued to the window for hours. I brought a book and spent approximately zero minutes reading it because I just stared out the window the whole time. 

What’s It Like Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer?

Two Classes onboard: GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf Service

On our train, there were two classes of service available: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Here are the main differences:

• The Glass-Dome Roof: SilverLeaf cars are single-level with very large windows. GoldLeaf cars are two levels. You’re seated on the upper level, and the roof is entirely glass for uninterrupted views. This is what you see on social media and it really is amazing. 
  
  There’s also an outdoor viewing platform on the GoldLeaf level between cars, so you can hang out outside, get some fresh air, and take pictures.

• The Dining Experience: Both classes offer unlimited drinks and snacks throughout the day, but the GoldLeaf car’s lower level is a dedicated dining car.
  
  This means beautiful, attentive table service with made-to-order (delicious) gourmet meals as you watch the Canadian wilderness roll by. SilverLeaf food is served at your seat, which I’m sure is also great, but there’s something special about walking downstairs to a proper dining room (more on this in a moment!)
  

• The Seats: GoldLeaf seats are incredibly spacious and heated (yes, heated!), which was nice since we traveled early in the season. SilverLeaf seats are comfortable too, just slightly less roomy.

I brought a book, but I honestly spent hours staring out the window at the incredibly stunning Canadian wilderness, desperately trying to spot a bear. We were too early in the season so it was too cold for even them to come out.

Honestly, I loved GoldLeaf service, but if you can’t swing it, I bet SilverLeaf is still lovely. 

Breakfast included:

• Fresh pastries
• Eggs cooked to order
• Fresh fruit and yogurt

Lunch was a multi-course affair with options like:

• Vegetarian dishes
• Pacific salmon
• Alberta beef

Complimentary beverages (including alcohol!) flow all day, coffee, tea, juice, wine, beer and even cocktails. I may have started my day with a mimosa or two…

The service was attentive and like tour guides, teaching us all about Canadian history and what we were seeing, without being overbearing. The staff knew their stuff about the route and pointed out landmarks and wildlife along the way.

Where Do You Sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

You don’t actually sleep on the train, but stay at hotels along the way overnight. Personally, I don’t want to sleep sitting up, so this was just fine with me!

We even got upgrades at our hotels to nicer rooms using my free hotel upgrade script! Especially in Banff, this meant scenic views right up against the mountains. It was pretty incredible.

⚠️Fair warning: this means you need to be ready to board around 6:30 a.m., which is rough if you (like me) are not a morning person. That being said, it was worth the early start to watch the sunrise through the trees!

Where Does the Rocky Mountaineer Train Go?

The Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinct routes, and they all go in both directions.

Canadian Rockies Routes

• First Passage to the West: This is the classic Vancouver to Banff (or Lake Louise) route. It’s the one I took, and it’s absolutely stunning. You’ll pass through the Fraser Canyon, along the Thompson River, and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
  
  
• Journey Through the Clouds: This route connects Vancouver to Jasper, taking you through some of the most remote wilderness in western Canada. The scenery is next-level, especially as you approach Jasper National Park.
  
  
• Rainforest to Gold Rush: A newer route that goes from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel. This one gives you rainforest, desert, and mountain landscapes all in one trip.

United States Route

• Rockies to the Red Rocks: This is the newest addition, running between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. If you can’t make it to Canada, this United States route still delivers incredible views of red rock canyons and the Rocky Mountains.

How Long Is the Rocky Mountaineer Train Ride?

The length of your rail journey depends on which route you choose. Most routes are two days of actual travel on the train, but some packages extend to three or four days when you include hotel stays and excursions.

I would highly recommend extending your stay in your final destination. A major mistake I made was booking a flight out the next day, and it turned out that Banff is unbelievably beautiful and I wish I had stayed longer.

What’s the Best Time to Take the Rocky Mountaineer?

The Rocky Mountaineer operates from mid-April through mid-October. The best time depends on what you want to see.

• Spring (April-May): Lower prices, fewer crowds, snow-capped mountains, but cooler temperatures. This is when I went, and I loved it.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season with the warmest weather, longest days, and best wildlife spotting. Also the most expensive and crowded.
• Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and good pricing. This is probably the sweet spot if you can swing it.

Some seasons are better than others for spotting wildlife. Summer gives you the best chance of seeing bears, elk, and other animals.

What Can You See from the Rocky Mountaineer Train?

The scenery changes constantly depending on your route, but here’s what you can expect:

On the Vancouver to Banff route, you’ll see the rushing waters of the Fraser Canyon, dramatic tunnels carved through mountains, the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, and eventually the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Wildlife sightings can include bears (if you’re lucky and traveling in the right season, we didn’t see any on ours), elk, bighorn sheep, eagles, and mountain goats. The staff will announce sightings over the PA system so everyone can catch a glimpse.

Historic sites along the route include the Last Spike location (where the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1885) and various gold rush-era towns.

The outdoor space between the GoldLeaf cars is perfect for getting that fresh mountain air and taking photos.

How Much Does the Rocky Mountaineer Train Cost?

Alright, I’ll be honest here, it’s not cheap. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

SilverLeaf Service:

• Starting at $1,500-$2,000 per person
• Varies by route and season

GoldLeaf Service:

• Starting at $2,500-$3,000+ per person
• Premium experience with dining car and glass dome

I went with my family as a birthday gift for my dad, so for us it was worth the expense. But I get that it’s a significant investment.

What’s Included:

• Train journey
• Hotel accommodations
• All meals on the train
• Luggage transfers between hotels

What’s Not Included:

• Flights to/from starting city
• Additional tours or excursions
• Meals at hotels

Clearly, it’ expensive. But it’s a pretty once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tips for Getting a Discount on the Rocky Mountaineer

Always looking for a deal? Same. Here are my strategies for saving money:

Travel During Shoulder Season

Different dates have different prices. Ours was the first ride of the season in April, and because it was still winter in the mountains, it was less expensive. But I didn’t find this to be a downside at all! I literally felt like I was on the Polar Express.

Peak summer months (July-August) are the most expensive. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer better rates.

Book as a “Couple”

Couples get cheaper rates, but this just means two people sharing a hotel room. I booked with my sister and we each had our own bed, so grab a friend and you’re good to go. There were also solo travelers on our trip who made friends along the way.

Book Well in Advance

If you book ahead, there are significant discounts available. The Rocky Mountaineer releases their schedule about a year ahead, so plan early.

Military Discount

U.S. military service members save an additional $100 on Rockies to the Red Rocks bookings. Check their website for current military offers.

Look for Package Deals

Sometimes the Rocky Mountaineer offers packages that include hotels before or after your trip, or excursions in Banff or Jasper. These can be better value than booking everything separately.

Can You Book the Rocky Mountaineer Train with Points?

Sadly, no. You can’t book the Rocky Mountaineer directly with credit card points or Aeroplan points.

But you can earn Aeroplan points from the trip, which are incredibly valuable for booking Star Alliance flights. This is a solid combination if you’re already collecting Aeroplan points.

You can also use points to book your flights to Vancouver (or wherever you’re starting) and hotel stays before and after. 

We stayed at a luxury hotel in Vancouver that came with a room upgrade and daily hotel credit thanks to our American Express Platinum Card®

Using Points Strategically

We started our trip with a stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. They’re part of the Fine Hotels and Resorts program with Amex, so by booking with The Platinum Card® from American Express on their portal, you get a $300 statement credit towards the hotel cost.

You also get perks like daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, room upgrade (subject to availability), and a unique property amenity (typically a spa or dining credit around $100 per stay).

You could also get cash back from your credit card points to help offset the cost, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I prefer saving my points for luxury flights and hotel stays.

For me? Absolutely. It was a unique and elegant way to see a huge amount of the Canadian wilderness that I never would have seen otherwise. Was it pricey? Yes. Would I do it again? Also yes.

It’s worth it if:

• You want to see nature without hiking for days
• You love train travel and appreciate slow, scenic journeys
• You’re celebrating a special occasion or milestone
• You want a truly unmatched North American travel experience
• You value comfort and good food while traveling
• You’re willing to invest in a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Skip it if:

• You’re on a tight budget (just being honest here)
• You’d rather drive the same route and stop whenever you want
• You’re looking for an adventure-focused trip (this is more about relaxation and views)